Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
(OP)
I am confused on the Save as Copy and hope someone can set me straight.
I have a part and make a drawing of it. The shop is happy but wants an additional version as well (add another hole..). So I open my part, Save As > Save as copy and open. All is well, my original stays and I make my changes in the new copy.
Now, how can I have my drawing also pick up this new version without having to start all over with a blank drawing?
I hope my explanation makes sense..
Thank you for your time.
Ralph
SW14 x64 on Windows7
I have a part and make a drawing of it. The shop is happy but wants an additional version as well (add another hole..). So I open my part, Save As > Save as copy and open. All is well, my original stays and I make my changes in the new copy.
Now, how can I have my drawing also pick up this new version without having to start all over with a blank drawing?
I hope my explanation makes sense..
Thank you for your time.
Ralph
SW14 x64 on Windows7






RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
Save as Copy should be used for when you want two distinctly different parts, i.e., Part No. 1 and Part No. 2. It sounds like your shop is asking for a simple revision and maybe their reason is to add a tooling or fixture hole. If this hole is acceptable in the finished part then you would be best served by creating a revision to the original part and its drawing. If you need to keep this revision separate from the original then you should look into the use of Configurations. If you are unfamiliar with configs then read up on them in SWX Help and in the Tutorials under Basic Techniques -> Design Tables.
- - -Updraft
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
Make a config.
Is the hole part of the part, or for mfg purposes? If for mfg, make a config.
If a change to the part, change the original part and roll the revision.
Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
If you are making a tabulated part such as xxx-xxxx-001, xxx-xxxx-002 part numbers, configurations in the part file could be your best approach, using the same drawing for both items.
This is my approach. Diego
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
"Save as copy" makes a copy with the new name and/or folder, which is independent of anything else.
"Save as copy and open" is same as above, but also opens the new part in your current Solidworks session.
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
"Save as copy" will not update any referenced dwgs or assy's.
Too many users get this confused.
Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
Open the original drawing
Do a Saves as copy & open to the new name
Close the original drawing
From within the new drawing, open the part
Do a Save as copy and open to the new name
Close the original part.
The new part and drawing are now ready to be edited to suit.
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
With all your help I think I can simplify my work big time.
Thank you
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
"how can I have my drawing also pick up this new version without having to start all over with a blank drawing?"
A coworker showed me this and it is SO EASY! Save a copy of your original drawing giving it the same name as the modified part. If you then open that newly saved drawing file normally it will still refer back to your original part. But instead after you click OPEN and select that new drawing file, but before you open it, click the REFERENCES button. You will see a dialog box that will allow you to "point" that drawing to your modified part. It will open up with all the views and dimensions from the original drawing intact but showing the modified part. Works really well.
RE: Confused about "Save As Copy" in parts and drawings
Diego